Of course, earning a living as a taxi or Uber driver is a tough career. When business is slow, roaming around alone not only means no income, but also the continuing expenses of gas, parking and car maintenance.

Using private transport can be a bargain at times. A recent 25-mile Uber trip from the suburbs to a city hospital and back home cost $10, much cheaper than personal driving, gas and parking fees. Taxi rides would’ve been at least $50.

Savvy seniors should know that after watching TV commercials for decades, it’s obvious that we need to be alert to so-called customer travel reviews. We’ve seen actors giving out sincere endorsements of cars, medicine, insurance and other rip-offs. So, we should be skeptical about travel-related testimonials on internet ads.

When you on-line research hotels, resorts, restaurants and vacation packages, check out the glowing reviews by allegedly former customers. Words and phrases describing their experiences as “the best ever”, “fantastic bargains”, “superior service” should put you on your guard.

The basic guidelines for tipping in Las Vegas and other gambling meccas aren't that much different from those in your home town. Tips are expected in casinos, restaurants, hotels, parking lots, bars and other sites.

In Las Vegas as elsewhere, service people depend on tips as a significant part of their income. It encourages them to do everything possible to earn your money. The old adage is that T.I.P. stands for To Insure Promptness, the norm in Sin City.

Tipping begins as you arrive. If you're flying in with luggage, and a baggage handler helps you, tip $1 a bag. After riding a taxi, limo or van to your hotel, tip from 10 to 20 percent of the fare.

Las Vegas, as is true about every gambling place, is all about hype. When you arrive, leave any sense of reality behind. However, you can make your money last longer by taking advantage of coupon offers.

The business, of course, of Sin City is to get you to gamble. All the free and discount coupons are offered to entice you to put money into slot machines or to bet at casino tables.
Chances of winning are slim, and therefore, the gambling bosses consider coupon promotions worth the investment.